New Jersey Family Accused of $138K Insurance Fraud Scheme
Three family members could be spending some quality time together behind bars after they were accused of taking part in a homeowners insurance scheme. An Oct. 14 press release from the New Jersey Attorney General’s office explained the details of the charges facing Donald Feldman, Carolyn Feldman, and Brittany Feldman.
The New Jersey residents stand accused of receiving approximately $138,000 in fraudulent homeowners insurance payments.
“New Jersey families pay for homeowners’ insurance to protect what they have worked hard to build,” Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said in the press release. “The defendants in this case allegedly defrauded an insurance company for their own gain. These cases reflect our commitment to protecting honest policyholders and holding those responsible accountable.”
The defendants stand accused of working to defraud Assurant Insurance Company between April 12, 2022, and May 15, 2023, by working alongside Assurant Insurance Company employee John Philbin, who had previously pleaded guilty to other insurance fraud claims.
Around 10 Fictitious Claims Were Allegedly Filed
The press release says that the Feldmans were accused of submitting false insurance claims. One example used in the press release involves Donald Feldman taking out a policy for a Sicklerville property that was owned by someone else. He was then accused of submitting claims with fabricated invoices and estimates.
Philbin, who was a field claims examiner at the time, would then approve the payments for work that was never performed. Carolyn and Brittany were both accused of helping to carry out the false claims, cashing checks and receiving funds.
The Indictment Includes Seven Counts
According to the press release, both Donald and Carolyn were charged with “second-degree conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, substantive second-degree charges for insurance fraud and theft by deception and third-degree charges for commercial bribery, insurance fraud, and theft by deception.” Brittany faces separate charges.
If convicted, the second-degree charges carry a five- to 10-year state prison sentence as well as a fine of up to $150,000. The third-degree charges carry a three- to five-year prison sentence as well as a fine of up to $15,000.
The family members were arrested Oct. 13.
